Locals caught smuggling drugs in Australia

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Four Taiwanese civilians were arrested by Australian Federal Police in Melbourne on July 29 for carrying 135 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth AU$130 million (US$122 million).

According to ABC News, the Australian Federal Police and Australian Crime Commission conducted a search on Tuesday night to uncover the methamphetamine packed in four bags.

Aged between 20 and 29, the four arrested were identified as Chun Lan, Ming Hsuan Ou, Li Ping Chen and Shu Yi Lin, who are currently under Australian custody. They are scheduled to attend a hearing on Nov. 5. They may face life sentences under Australian law.

Australian authorities tracked down the suspects after tracing some unlawful money. A larger crime group based in Australia was probably behind the smuggling, said police officer Bruce Giles. Investigators are still tracking the source of the narcotics. Considering the high quantity, the drugs probably came via a sea or land route, said Giles.

Danger to Health, Freedom

Methamphetamine, which fetches a high price tag on the black market, can be highly addictive and is capable of breaking down the central nervous system. It is considered one of the most dangerous narcotics by Australian authorities.

Similar smuggling cases have occurred before. Six Taiwanese suspects were caught smuggling 50 kilograms of methamphetamine on July 6. Also, four Taiwanese and one Australian were caught in February for transporting narcotics worth AU$180 million (NT$4.95 billion).

The production, distribution, sale and possession of methamphetamine is restricted or illegal in many countries due to its classification as a schedule II drug under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances treaty.